Draft-gear.



J. F. COURSON.

DBAFT GEAR.

APPLICATION FILED APR. 2|. |911.

Patented Feb Y .IAII

.kwh TQ 5% w .v N NTM .NRIN s V "En STATES ,PATE carica.

JOHN F. coUnsoN, or PITCAIRN, PENNSYLVANIA.

nnarnenan.

h y.Specification of Letters Patent.

Application led April 21, 1917. Serial No. 163,599.

to effect resistance to such strains t rough the mechanism inclosed within an embracing cylinder or casing.

The ,particular ob]ects 1n view are to provide, in a .gear of this type, having a series of friction shoes within the casing and adapted to frictionally engage the inner face thereof, wedging means for exerting a distending or'expanding movement to the fric# tion shoes throughout their length and simultaneously operable as to the front and rear 'portions of the friction shoes, whereby toV produce an equalpressure upon such portions of the shoes during buiiing or pulling strains, and in proportion to the said strains.

These objects are secured by providing a central wedge member having at each end series of wedge faces, op ositely disposed as to eachseries, and opera le in connection with theshoes at one end, and co-acting as- `sociated elements at the other end, to impart the desired movement to the friction shoes and with a Vresulting desired frictionalengagement therewith, as hereinafter described. f

yThe invention is illustrated, 'in certain preferred forms in the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 is a longitudinal vertical sectional view through the complete gear as assembled, the parts bein shown in normal extended position, as in icated by the sec-l tion line 1, 1 of Fig. 2;

Fig..2 is a cross sectional vview indicated by the line II, II, of Fi 1; Fig. 3 is a longitu mal sectional view similar to Fig. 1 showingthe gear compressed, asin bufting; Fig. 4 is a perspective detail vlew of the follower;

Fig. 5 is a similar` view of one of the intermediate wedge blocks;

Fig. l6 is a similar view of one of the fric-l tion shoes;

Fig. 7 is a similar View of the double ended central wedge;

'Fig. 8 is a sectional detail view showing a modified construction as to the follower and intermediate wedge blocks;

'Figs 9 and 10 are detail sectional views showing further` modifications 'embodying lever mechanism between the follower and the intermediate wedge blocks; Y

Fig. 11 is a perspective detail View of one of the intermediate wedge blocks as used in Fig. 10;

- Figs. 12 and 13 are sectional detail Views, similar to the construction shown in Fig. 1, but showing the use of a rolling member between the wedging faces.

In the drawings, 2 represents the drawbar of the coupler, connected with the front end portions of side bars 3 by a transverse bolt or key 4 which extends through slots 5 in the front portions thereof and through the drawbar, connectingthe parts, and retained Patented Feb. i2, 191s.

in position by cotter pins 6 yor the like at tion shoes 12,y conforming to the curvature of the casing. Each shoe, of which there may be four, or any other suitable number, 1s rounded along its inner face portion, or

otherwise suitably shaped as indicated at 13,

whereby to present ateach end portion a confronting wedging face.

The central wedge, as shown in Fig. 7 is of a single integralpiece having a middle connectin bar or neck portion 14 and terminal we( ge portions 15, 16; Each of said portions is in the form of-a truncated pyramid with the wedge faces converging inwardly from each end portion, as shown.

The wedge faces of the rear portionl engage direotly against the inner rounded faces 13 of the friction shoes and operate to distend the shoes when the wedge moves forwardly. Similarly, the wedge faces of the'front portiony 15 converge inwardly toward 111e rear, and in the principal construction illustrated, these faces are engagedby the confronting faces of intermediate wedge blocks 17. Said blocks are provided with outer faces 18, which in turn engage the front inner faces 13 of the friction shoes,

A in a 'manner opposite to that of the wedge engagement with their rear portions. Faces 18 of the intermediate wed 'e blocks, aref,

with respectto the longitudinal center o the gear, preferablyl somewhat more blunt i or obtuse than, the inner faces which engage wedge faces of portion 15, providing a differential angle engagement between theA front central wedge and the friction shoes.

Intermediate wedge blocks 17 abut, by their front bearing faces 19, against rearwardly projecting faces 2O of follower 21, which is mounted betweenv the rear end of the drawbar 2 and the frontend of casing- 7. While the faces 20, as shown, extend and central wedge, respectively, in com?y pressed position, to produce a considerable degree of resistance and resulting friction,

and coperate with the other parts in the entire operation.

In action, under bufiing strains, rear# ward movement of the drawbar 2 and follower 21 effects rearward movement ofthe l wedge tion to the friction shoes 12, by engagedifferential angle intermediate wedge blocks 17, thrustingthe frictionshoes 12 inwardly of the casing. At the same time, by reason of the inner acute angle faces of blocks 17, they operate to force the central composite in a forward direction,f with relament with the faces of the lfront wedge portion.15 thereof. The result ofsuch action, in connection with the pressure exerted by spring 23, is to force the wedge faces of the rear wedge 16 againstV the rear inner faces of the friction shoes thereby effecting the spreading of the shoes at their inner portions. By this means, the friction shoes are distended equally throughout their length during their inward movement, resulting in a high degree of frictional en. ga'gement with the relatively stationary casing 7, and in proportion to the buliing strains.

Likewise, in pulling, forward movement of the casing 7, by sidebars 3, and in conl nection with the springs 22, 23, effects the same result, due to the resistance of the relatively stationary follower 21.

In each-operation the intermediate wedge.

blocks 17 operate to not only distend the front portions of the friction shoes 12, but `to draw the central wedge toward the intermediate wedge blocks, thus effecting a cor-V responding pressure outwardly against the vrear portions of the friction shoes.

In Fig. 8 the construction and operation is substantially the saine'as just described excepting 4that the rearwardly extende portion of the follower 20a of follower 21V is beveled or wedge faced, as indicated, and engages vthe correspondingly beveled wedge faces 19aL of the intermediatel wedge blocks 17 a, operating to thrust them inwardly in bufling, or to provide wedging resistance in pulling, with additional force. The other parts of the gear are the same as above describedand similarly identified by numerals having the exponent o. In Fig. 9 I show a further modified-construction in which the central wedge is-provided with a rear wedge portion 16." only,

and a forwardly i extending vshank 14;" adapted to .provide a fulcrum bea-ring for` lever members 24.l These members, as

shown, are provided with inner rounded bearingportions which seat in suitable receiving sockets 25-of shank 14;", -andbear by by their outwardly and vforwardly curved terminals 26 in receiving sockets 27 in they projecting portion 20" of follower 21". In-

intermediate wedge block 17", substantially square in outline, embracing the bar 14" as indicated by the dotted lines.v The inner lwedge faces 18" of block 17" engage lagainst fterposed between the lever members 24 a-nd I the front portions of friction shoes 12" `is an the. front inner portions of the friction shoes, while the front flat face of the intermediate ;wedge bears against the. rear rounded face of the lever members 24, be-

tween their inner fulcrum bearing portions In action, the

and their outer terminals. strains, either in buing or pulling, effect relatively opposite movement of the wedge 16" and wedge 17", giving the desired lateral movement to the friction shoes with the resulting desired friction.

InFig. 10 the construction vand operation is generally the same as just described, the

central wedge having a tapering shank portion 14" while the intermediate wedges 17 are individually like wedges 17 but so designed as to be incorporated with the other parts in snugly fitting position, wherebyto permit individual lateral movement with the resulting effect, as to the central wedge and the friction shoes, in

',distendingthem. The several other parts of the construction of Fig. 10 are substan- Lesage? tially similar to that shown and described in Fig. 9, and similarly indicated by numerals having the exponent c.

With either .-of the constructions above described, and as illustrated, the general effect is the same in'producing a regular even movement to the frictionshoes throughout the various degrees of movement of the parts with a proportioned equal distribution of the power and a resulting evenlydistributed frictional engagement. Due to the arrangement and design of the wedge faces, and their angles, the parts are readily and promptly released upon cessation of the operating strains, resuming their normal -position without binding and with practically no lost motion. A feature of advantage in having the shank 14 tapered, as shown in Fig. 13 is that any lost motion due to wear or lother causes vis avoided or absorbed, the intermediate wedges 17 tending to alwaysapproach andl seat against the faces of the friction shoes.

In Figs. 12 and 13 I show the mechanism provided with rolling bearings between the r confronting faces of the active wedge members, the construction'otherwise being the same as already described. In Fig. 12 the parts are similarly numbered with the exreadily understood and appreciated by all those familiar with this class of mechanism. It provides a construction which is simple and compact, economical to manufacture, and capable of performing its desired functions in generating a high degree of frictional resistance within the prescribed limi.- tations of gears of this class.

The gear may be changed or varied in detail construction or design, by the skilled mechanic, but all such changes are to be considered as within the scope of the following claims.

What I claim is:

1. In a friction draft gear, a casing, friction shoes engaging the casinghaving inner outwardly Haring wedging portions, a central wedge bar having a wedge member at one end engaging the friction shoes, a relatively movable wedge .member on the central wedge barengaging the friction shoes, and means for actuating said parts to effectlateral movement to the friction shoes.

2. In a friction draft gear, a casing, fricl ner outwardly tion shoes engaging the casing having inner outwardly flaring wedging portions, a central wedge bar having a wedge member at one end engaging the friction shoes, a relatively movable wedge member on the central wedge bar engaging the friction shoes, and means for actuating said parts to effect lateral and longitudinal movement to the friction shoes.

3. In a friction draft gear, a casing, friction shoes-engaging the casin having inner outwardly flaring oppositely isposed wedging portions, a central wedge bar having a wedge member at one end'engaging the friction shoes, a relatively inovable wedge member on the other end of the central wedge bar engaging the friction shoes, a drawbar operatively connected with the casing, and

means between the drawbar and the relawedge members on the other end of the cen tral wedge bar engaging the fr-iction shoes, a drawbar operativelvconnected with the casing, and means between the drawbar and the relatively movable wedge members for moving them and effecting movement of the wedge bar in an opposite direction.

5. In a friction draft gear, a casing, friction shoes engaging the casing having inflaring oppositely disposed wedging portions, a central wedge bar\hav ing a wedge member at one end engaging the friction shoes, a series of relatively movable wedge members on the central wedge bar engaging the friction shoes, a drawbar operi atively connected with the casing, and means between the drawbar and the relatively movable wedge members for moving them and effecting movement of the wedge bar in an opposite direction, whereby to effect lateral movement to the shoes.

6. In combination, a casing, a relatively movable ydrawbar connected with the casing, friction shoes engaging the casin having inner outwardly flaring oppositeFy posed friction faces, a central wedge bar having a wedge portion engaging the wedge faces of the shoes at one end'thereof a series of relatively movable wedge members between thebar and the wedge faces of the shoes at the other end thereof, and means between the drawbar and the relatively movable wedge members for moving them and effecting movement ofthe wedge bar in an opposite direction.

7 In combinatlon, a casing, a relatively movable drawbar connected with the casing,

dis-

- effecting movement'of the wedgebar in an i ving inner outwardly flaring oppositely disposed friction faces, a central wedge bar.

opposite direction.y y

8. In combination, a casing, a relatively movable drawbar connected with the casing, friction shoes engaging the casing havhaving inwardly converging faces at each end engaging the friction shoes and rela- -tivelymovable wedges respectively, relatively movable 'wedges between one set of wedge4 faces of the bar and the friction shoes. and means-embodied with the drawbar for'in'iparting movement to the relatively movable wedges. l 9..In combination, a casing, a relatively A. inner outwardly Haring oppositely disposedv 'friction faces, a central. wedge bar having .movabledra'wbar connected with the casing,

friction shoes engaging the casing having inner oppositel-y disposed friction faces, a central wedge bar having inwardly converging faces at-each end engaging the friction shoes 'and relatively movable wedges respectively, relatively movable differential angle wedges between one ,set of wedge faces of the bar and the friction shoes, and means embodied withl the drawbar for imparting movement to the relatively movable wedges.

10. In combination, a casing, a'relativelymovable drawbar connected with thecasing, friction shoes engaging the casing having inwardly converging faces at each endengaging the friction shoes and relatively.

relatively movable wedges respectively, movable wedges between one set of wedge faces of the bar and the friction shoes, and a'follower between the drawbar and said' Arelatively movable wedges.

Y 11. A friction gear having a casing,v a series of laterally and longitudinally movable frictionI shoes therein, a central wedge having opposed sets of inwardly converging faces, one setkof faces engaging the friction shoes lat one end portion thereof, a drawbar connectediwith the casing, a follower between the drawbar and the -casing, and

accese? mechanism actuated by the drawbar adapted to effect longitudinal movement of the central wedge and embodying separately movable wedges between a portion of 4the central -wedge and the friction shoes.`

12; A friction gear having a casing, a

series of laterally and longitudinally movable friction shoes therein, a central wedge having at each enda series of inwardly converging' wedge faces and engaging the friction shoes by one' of said series, a. drawbar connected with the casing, a follower between the drawbar and the casing, and aH series of relatively movable wedges between the friction shoes and the other series of facesof the central wedge and engaging the follower.

13. A friction gear having a.casing, a series of laterally and longitudinally movable friction shoes therein, a central wedge having at each end a series of inwardly converging wedge faces-and engaging the friction shoes by one of said series, a drawbar connected withthe casing, a follower between the drawbar and the casing, and a.v

series of relatively movable differential angle wedges between the friction shoes and the other series of faces of the central wedge and engaging the follower.

14. A friction gear having a casing, a series of laterally and longitudinally movable friction shoes therein, a central wedge having at each end a series of 4inwardlyico'n verging wedge faces and engaging the fr1ction shoes by one of said series, a drawbar connected with the casing, a follower between the'drawbar and the casing having in- .f

ner bearing projections, and a series of relatively movable wedges between the frictionl shoes and the other series of faces of .the

central wedge and engaging the projections.

of the follower.

15. A friction gear having a casing, a'

series of laterally and longitudinally movable friction shoes therein, a; central wedge 'having at each end a series of inwardly converging wedge" faces and engaging the friction shoes by one of said series, a drawbar connected with the casing, a follower between the drawbar and the casing having inner wedge faced-bearing projections, and a series of relatively movablev wedges between the friction shoes and the other series of faces of the central wedge and engaging the wedge faced projections of the follower.

In testimony whereof I hereunto affix my signature.

JOHN F. COURSON. 

